To my HU consultant, Chris Hammond. Thank you all so much for giving me insight into the world of Hampton University, answering silly questions about minute things. You are my brother for life, despite me going to CAU (lol). It’s all HBCU love.
To my architectural consultants, Dr. L. David Stewart, and R. Denise Everson. Thank you for giving me insight into the world of Black architects. From jargon to issues, you answered all my questions. Romesha, you showed me how hard it was for sisters to make it in the field. I hope I did you proud with my honest portrayal of Ari.
To my family, especially my dad Ronald, and brother, Michael. Thank you for encouraging me and making sure that I never gave up. Daddy, thanks for pulling out things I wrote at eight years old to remind me to keep going. Thank you to my mother-in-law, Pat, sister-in-law Janelle, and members of the extended Richardson/Mathews/Chaney clan. There are too many to name, so I thank you and love you.
To Teagan, my little miracle. You pulled me out of a dark place and gave me hope. I hope mommy makes you proud. You are too young to read this book but one day you will. Let’s stick to Pete the Cat for now.
Finally, to my husband, Jay. Thanks for supporting me through the nights, early mornings, and tears. You are the cinnamon roll hero of my dreams. My muse. My love. My life has been better than any rom-com I could write. I love you 5-eva.
About the Author
Tati Richardson is co-founder of the Romance in Colour Podcast. A higher education professional for two decades, Tati holds degrees in English from Clark Atlanta University and University of North Carolina-Greensboro. A native of Atlanta, Tati lives in the suburbs with her husband and daughter. She collects red lipstick, Wonder Woman memorabilia, and unique eyewear. The Build Up is Tati’s debut novel.
Tati’s podcast, Romance in Colour, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google, and most podcast platforms.
Tati Richardson is represented by Keisha Mennefee, Literary Manager at Honey Magnolia Media. For more information, contact: [email protected].
Learn more about Tati by visiting her website www.tatiannarichardson.com.
A tour manager determined to revitalize her career. The client she can’t stop thinking about.
Don’t miss In Tune by JN Welsh
Luke Anderson needs a manager—fast. His last one quit, leaving his tour and his future in jeopardy. Now instead of focusing on his career, he’s forced to concentrate on damage control. Powerhouse manager Leona Sable is the full package—smart and talented, not to mention sexy as hell—but her past makes her impossible to trust.
When opportunity knocks in the form of talented EDM DJ Luke “The Musical Prophet” Anderson, Leona is ready to answer. But salvation doesn’t come cheap. Luke won’t sign until Leona agrees to his outrageous terms—including a no-sex-while-on-tour clause.
Dictating what she does in her personal life crosses a line. But Leona’s never been one to back down from a challenge.
One thing is for sure: if she has to suffer, so will he.
Chapter One
If Leona Sable had known how this day was going to turn out, she would have stayed in bed, nestled against her boyfriend pillow with the covers pulled over her head.
How the fuck did I get here? A conversation with her boss and mentor, Abraham Wallace, that started with “The client only wants you” and ended with “Meet me at the Metro Hotel this evening at seven and be dressed for a night out.” That’s how.
Ever since that conversation a few short hours ago, Leona had been collecting intel on Electronic Dance Music DJ Luke “The Musical Prophet” Anderson.
Had Abe not looked so stressed and hell-bent on acquiring said potential client, she’d still be in hiding, paper-pushing due diligence forms.
Leona sat in the hairdresser’s chair in Midtown Manhattan. Her tight corkscrew curls dripped wet onto the towel draped over her shoulders, while she pressed the cell phone to her ear.
“Dale, sweetie, you’re telling me that Luke’s manager left his tour? Just like that? Why?” Leona strained to hear above the light music playing in the salon.
Dale, her fabulous, long-time source swam in the know while others simply dipped their toe into the pool. “Allegedly, there was a mash-up of problems. Money issues and fraternization,” he whispered into the phone.
Leona wasn’t a gossip but she sometimes had to play the role of one to get the information she needed.
“They were dating? Was it serious?”
“Who knows in this industry? But I will say that hearts were broken. And...”
Leona couldn’t believe the next words that came out of Dale’s mouth, and neither would Abe when she briefed him. “No!”
“Yes, but you won’t find a lick about it in the rags. The family is wealthy and adamant about her privacy. They keep paying out.”
“Then why would she do that?”
“I don’t know, girl. Money got these people like...whoa!”
“Stop.” Leona laughed, assessing her milk chocolate brown image in the mirror. “Thanks, D. You gave me a lot to work with. I appreciate it.”
“Listen, love. Please don’t ever go underground again. I need my concert tickets.”
“I promise.” Leona hung up.
Her hairdresser started to work. “Let me get started on your twists.”
“Change of plan, Kim. Geisha bun. Sleek and sexy.”
Kim stilled with wide-toothed comb in hand. “You haven’t had that style in a while. Does this mean you’re back?”
Kim’s excitement surprised her. “No.” Leona’s raised voice carried above the music.
“Okay, okay. Just asking.” Kim’s grin reflected in the mirror.
Leona surveyed the room and tapped her left earlobe. “The last thing I need is that rumor getting out.”
Kim readied her tools—complete with blow-dryer and brush—for Leona’s hair. “Maybe after tonight it won’t be a rumor.”
For the past year, Leona had stayed out of the spotlight. Lately, she had to admit that the administrative role Abe allowed her to perform was a snore fest, and she’d thought about waging a comeback and once again doing the work she loved. Though she was an experienced personal manager, with production and tour experience, the entertainment industry was fickle and would make her pay for her absence. More importantly, a nagging question remained.
Am I ready?
Leona checked her messages and returned a call to Tracy Ruiz, one of the resident lawyers at Wallace Entertainment. “Hey, Tracy. Got anything on Mr. Wonderful?”
“He doesn’t have any priors, but there have been some disturbances of the peace. Mr. Anderson has had a string of episodes involving angry outbursts, but no one was hurt. Only a couple of scuffles here and there.”
“This just gets more interesting by the hour. Okay, Tracy. Thanks.”
What the hell did Abe get me into? A client with a shady business past and anger management issues... Seriously? A shiver scuttled up her back and her shoulders shimmied in release. Just get him in the door, Leo, and you’ll be done.
Kim took a brief break from pulling at Leona’s kinky curls. “You cold, girl?”
“Oh, no, I’m good. Just some old ghosts trying to bully me.”